DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have a question I’m sure has never been addressed in your column. I cannot seem to lose weight. I’m 82 years old, 5 feet tall, and weigh 159 pounds. My doctor doesn’t give me any answers.
I’m on Metoprolol Succinate, Plavix, Crestor, a multi-vitamin for women and Centrum Silver, Vitamin D, vitamin B12, a low-dose aspirin, calcium with vitamin D, COQ10, folic acid and fish oil.
I had a stent put in 1 ½ years ago and try to follow a healthy diet. I go to Curves 4 or 5 times a week.
DEAR READER:
Before I address your weight, I would like to review your daily medication schedule.
I agree with the metoprolol succinate (Toprol), Plavix and Crestor prescribed by your primary physician or cardiologist. What I question is the bevy of over-the-counter supplements of vitamins D and B12, calcium with D, and folic acid in addition to your two multivitamins. They simply aren’t necessary. Too much of a good thing isn’t always better. When taken according to packaging instructions, a daily multivitamin should contain the recommended daily allowance of the D, B12 and folic acid as well as others. I recommend you stop the Centrum Silver, vitamin D, vitamin B12 (unless you have a deficiency) and folic acid. The calcium with D is important, especially if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. As an individual ages and for those with chronic cardiac conditions, levels can drop.
The addition of fish oil should help lower your triglyceride levels and slow the progression of atherosclerotic plaque.
Speak with your physician to determine if the 81 mg aspirin is appropriate. He or she may feel the Toprol and Plavix are sufficient.
If you choose, deplete your supply of the unnecessary supplements, rather than discarding them or giving them away. Then put your money into a good daily supplement that fills your requirements. Before making any selection, read the ingredient panel so you can be assured you are getting what you require. Continue the Co-Q10 and fish oil.
While you eat well, perhaps you simply need slight redirection. Caffeine can slow the progression of calorie burning. If you over-do on coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, or other caffeine-containing products, reduce your consumption. Foods made with flour and sugar can retard weight loss. If you have a tendency to eat foods made with flour or sugar, this could be your block. Canned vegetables and soups are often high in sodium. Sodium has a tendency to make an individual retain fluids (and weight). Therefore, modify your diet to include fresh or frozen steamed vegetables. Snack on raw vegetables and fruits such as carrots, broccoli, pepper slices, celery, apples, oranges and others. Keep a supply in your refrigerator so you aren’t tempted to reach for a sugary or fatty snack that isn’t as good for you. Broil rather than fry lean cuts of fish, chicken and meat. Remove the salt shaker from your table. Avoid fried foods. You might just find your cholesterol level drops with dietary modifications. Were this the case, perhaps the Crestor can be stopped as well.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “A Strategy for Losing Weight”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott